This is the TDMST Weekly Round-Up of news affecting professional truck drivers, written by Vicki Simons for the week ending August 20, 2022.
We welcome your comments, thoughts and feedback on the items of your choice below.
1. Regarding economy, consumer, AB5, and costs:
Economy
Depending on whose information you’re reviewing at any point in time, the economy may be up or down.
Here are some of the most recent articles on this topic:
- Bridging the gap between consumer expectations and delivery costs
- Carriers should focus on acquiring, honoring contracts ahead of potential recession
- Despite billions in canceled orders, container imports stay near peak
- Factory Output Up for First Time in Three Months
- July Medium-Duty Sales Dip Year-Over-Year
- Replacement cycle stretched as trailer orders drop in July
- Retail Sales Were Flat in July
- Spending on Merchandise Slowing, Flexport Says
- The plunge in dry bulk shipping: Ominous signal on China’s economy?
- Trailer order volumes to grow in Q4: FTR
- U.S. net trailer orders see gains above last year in topsy-turvy market
- Used truck prices continue upward push: Ritchie Bros.
- Used truck prices dip in July
- Used truck sales slip in July, ACT Research reports
- Walmart cancels billions of dollars to right-size inventory
Consumer
“CPG” stands for Consumer Packaged Goods.
AB5
- Port of Oakland blames AB5 protest on 28% decline
- What do carriers think of AB5? It’s less clear than you might think
Costs
2. Regarding accidents and fatalities:
Accidents
Please learn what you can from the articles linked below about how to prevent certain kinds of truck accidents — particularly clearly preventable ones.
- Dining mother and child injured by flying truck tire
- Elk collision knocks over cement truck
- Manufactured home slides off flatbed mid-haul
- VIDEO: Blown tire sends two trucks careening across the median into oncoming traffic
- WATCH: Driver walks away as truck flies off overpass
Fatalities
Some time back, I wondered if it was just my imagination as to whether or not it seemed that road deaths involving trucks were up.
As it turns out, no, it is not my imagination!
This article states: “There have been seven consecutive quarters of increases since the third quarter of 2020. Last year, traffic fatalities rose by 10.5%. That was largely the result of a nearly 22% increase in the second quarter, which was preceded by a 13% increase during the first quarter.”
This article states: “First quarter roadway fatalities have jumped 42% since 2011, and the death rate measured by vehicle miles traveled has risen 30% during that time, according to the NHTSA.”
This may be a very unpopular thing to say, but I think that at least part of the increase in road deaths may have something to do with “the jabs” that some people have taken, which according to one researcher is causing problems within the human circulatory system.
I will be glad to share more information if any of our readers requests it.
Here are some of the most recent articles about fatalities and deaths associated with trucks:
- 1 dead, others critically injured after impatient four wheeler cuts off semi before fleeing scene, witnesses say
- 2 dead after ATV collides with tractor-trailer in New York City
- 4 dead after Tesla crashes head on with tractor-trailer in California
- Driver killed in chain-reaction crash on I-476
- Family looking for help after trucker survives being crushed by load
- Fatal collision between SUV, semi truck sparks 35 acre wildfire
- Feds aim to reduce road fatalities with new pavement markings
- First quarter sees most traffic fatalities in two decades
- Four dead after Tesla goes into oncoming traffic, striking semi head-on
- Road Deaths Climb for Seventh Straight Quarter
- Truck driver killed in explosive train collision in California
- Trucking company president killed in truck crash
- US traffic deaths, once in decline, continue to rise in 2022
- Woman dead after being run over in truck stop parking lot
3. Regarding fuel, emissions, EPA, autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicles:
Fuel
For comparison of diesel fuel prices from 1993 – 2022, please see:
Weekly U.S. All Grades All Formulations Retail Gasoline Prices (Dollars per Gallon)
- Average Gasoline Price Falls to $4.10 per Gallon
- Benchmark diesel price down almost 90 cents after 8th straight drop
- Diesel Falls 8.2¢ to Reach $4.911 a Gallon
- Diesel prices continue to fall
- Diesel prices in New England see 17-cent drop
- Don’t Let High Fuel Prices Drive You Off the Road: Know Your Numbers Series
- Gasoline and range anxiety
- How Steve Kron took his 2001 International above 10 mpg
- Kenworth fuel cell interest ‘amazing’ while hydrogen combustion also gains ground
- Study shows commercial fleets can save up to 13% on fuel costs using automation
- Survey finds fleets moving toward using sustainable fuels
- Trucking fuel costs and retail pump prices aren’t marching in lockstep
- Weekly Fuel Report: August 16, 2022
Emissions
- New climate law targeting greenhouse gasses offers incentives for zero-emission big rigs
- OEMs withdraw lawsuit against CARB over emissions deadlines
- The ‘scope’ of emissions in transportation
- Truck manufacturers call for support in zero emission rollout
EPA
For context, the Environmental Protection Agency is an unconstitutional, unelected, and unaccountable federal level organization.
According to the Tenth Amendment to The Constitution of the United States, whatever is not specifically enumerated is in the jurisdiction of the states and the people.
- EPA Seeks Small-Business Input on Phase 3 GHG Rules for Trucks, Buses
- Supreme Court EPA Decision Could Affect More Than Power Plants
Autonomous vehicles
I am most definitely opposed to autonomous, driverless, and self-driving commercial motor vehicles on the same roads with the motoring public, but share these articles to help you stay currently with the topic.
- Autonomous truck crash draws federal attention
- Autonomous Trucking: Leadership change at Daimler Truck’s independent subsidiary Torc
- Autonomous trucks will do jobs human drivers don’t like, panel says
- New Michigan law clears path for autonomous vehicle roadways
- Truck Tech: TuSimple boots crash alert to Navistar
Electric vehicles
- Congress approves incentive boost for EV truck purchases
- Electric work truck company took creative path to fundraising
- Rivian Cancels Least Expensive Electric Pickup
4. Regarding regulations, chains, examiners, and detention:
Regulations
- Lower speed limit for semi trucks only now in effect in Indiana town
- New Pennsylvania law authorizes truck weigh system
Chains
Examiners
- FMCSA proposes updated Medical Examiner’s Handbook | NHTSA boss leaving post
- FMCSA set to publish Medical Examiner Handbook
- FMCSA updates guidance for truck driver medical examiners
- Medical Examiner Handbook open for review
Detention
5. Regarding drugs, smuggling, and theft:
Drugs
Never, ever haul illegal drugs, no matter how big of an incentive you are offered.
- Nearly $13 million worth of drugs found in truckload of heavy machinery gears
- Over $12 million in drugs found in truckload of heavy machinery gears
- Two charged after 30 kg of suspected cocaine seized from truck
Smuggling
Never, ever transport people like they were cattle or cargo!
- B.C. truck driver to serve 4 years for drug smuggling
- Trucker sentenced to prison for attempting to smuggle $2.5 million worth of meth into Canada
Theft
Do not take what does not belong to you.
- Louisiana detectives arrest man caught stealing, selling diesel fuel to truck drivers
- Man arrested for stealing 1,425 gallons of diesel from employer and selling it to truckers
- Nebraska troopers recover semi trailer loaded with Amazon products stolen out of Maryland
- Police searching for big rig parts thieves in Louisiana
6. Regarding inspections, truck fires, and recalls:
Inspections
If you keep yourself and your rig in perpetual readiness for an inspection, you’ll never be caught off-guard.
- Big brake blitz starts this weekend — here’s what you need to know
- Expert offers tips to help navigate Brake Safety Week, which begins Sunday
- Florida brake inspection video at number one spot as Brake Safety Week rolls into view
- Georgia police conduct 2,200 inspections during 72 hour CMV blitz
- High-visibility speed enforcement campaign underway in New York
- Troopers discover 16 violations on one truck during Houston inspection effort
Truck fires
Recalls
If your tractor has been recalled, please have it serviced as soon as possible.
- Battery ground cable issue prompts Navistar recall
- Navistar recalls thousands of trucks for hot battery ground cable issue
- New recalls affecting more than 8,000 trucks | Owner-op recognized for stopping car with overdosing driver
7. Regarding employment, testing, NTDAW:
Employment
- 7 tips to choose the right truck fleet to work for
- Recruiters shed light on obtaining, retaining drivers
- TruckNews.com unveils new Careers page
Testing
- CDL skills test ‘modernized’ in Maryland
- Truck drivers in Maryland must pass ‘modernized’ CDL skills test starting next week
NTDAW
According to the article linked immediately above:
- “The 2022 NTDAW Free Fuel Sweepstakes is being held from Aug. 18 through Sept. 17. …”
- “National Truck Driver Appreciation Week runs from Sept. 11-17.”
8. Regarding roads, technology, and technology – weather:
Roads
- “Completely unreal” bridge collapse sends truck, car into Norway river
- Audit: Va. failed on earlier advice before I-95 gridlock
- Portion of I-77 to remain closed until late afternoon after large truck fire
- Two Garden State Parkway service areas closed for next 9 months
Technology
- Apex Capital blames malware attack for ‘unplanned system outage’
- Check Call: Can you ever have too much technology?
- Choose a dashcam that targets your pain points
- Crowley chief product officer: Break down data silos
- Data helps improve sustainability, Trimble CEO says
- Fleets and truck drivers see benefits of AI-powered video, panel says
- Get a closer look inside this super stylish 2003 Kenworth W900 with 168″sleeper
- Popular freight factoring company says malware to blame for continuing system outage
- This technology could reshape the world of food distribution
- Wabash expands tech production with $20M investment, 200 new jobs
Technology – weather
- Drivewyze Offers Real-Time Weather Warnings
- Drivewyze Safety+ adds weather to alerts Products & Services
- Drivewyze Safety+ incorporates severe weather alerts
- Real-time severe weather alerts now on Drivewyze Safety+
9. Regarding taxes, politics, HOS, and inflation:
Taxes
- Indiana gasoline taxes dropping 5 cents a gallon next month
- IRS reminds truckers about August 31 tax deadline
Politics
- Apportioned registrations, snow-ice removal now Pennsylvania law
- Biden Signs Climate, Health Care Legislation
- Truck stop organization reacts to passage of Inflation Reduction Act
HOS
- Emergency declaration for COVID nets two crashes, FMCSA says
- Emergency hours of service suspension extended in Kentucky
- FMCSA considers hours-of-service exemption for truck driver
- Fuel emergency order extension runs through Sept. 11.
- Kentucky extends emergency hours of service suspension
- Minnesota fuel haulers get more HOS relief
- Minnesota Governor Extends Driving Hours for Fuel Transportation
- Trucker formally asks FMCSA for exemption from HOS and ELD rules for himself only
- Trucker seeks exemption from ELDs, hours of service
Inflation
- Demand no longer main driver of inflation
- Trucking freight costs, US wholesale inflation see declines for first time in 2 years
10. Regarding rates, fines, and selling:
Rates
Fines
- Delaware bill to increase truck parking fines fourfold
- Delaware Bill Would Hike Fines for Residential Truck Parking
- Delaware Politicians Plan To Fine Truckers for Parking Violations
Selling
- How to Sell Your Work Truck for the Best Price: Setting & Negotiating Cost
- New report shows growing gap between asking, auction values across equipment, truck markets
- With market strain, owners find value in used-truck warranties
11. Regarding legal and ports:
Legal
Ports
- L.A., Long Beach Ports Hail Supply Chain Progress
- Port of L.A. Breaks Another Monthly Cargo Record
- Port of Mobile sets cargo record; truck turn times also low, officials boast
- Port of Mobile Sets Record for Container Shipping in July
- Turning point? Port of LA boss sees imports ‘easing’ lower in August
- Volumes at Virginia, South Carolina ports reflect East Coast challenges, opportunities
12. Regarding recognition and awards:
Recognition
Our thanks go to all of those who helped their fellow human beings in a time of need.
- Truck drivers team up in Nebraska to help prevent person from jumping off bridge
- Trucker rescues crash victims amid fire and exploding ammunition
- Truckers help police during mental health crisis on I-680 –
- Truckers line up to help Nebraska State Patrol rescue person on overpass
- Truckers step up to help person experiencing mental health crisis in Omaha
- Wrecked driver rescued in five feet of water
Awards
Congratulations to all truckers who either desire to compete in a championship, or qualified to compete, or won!
- Being at NTDC ‘Feels Like Trucking Is Back’
- Families Couldn’t Be More Proud of NTDC Competitors
- NTDC Exam Challenges, Surprises Competitors
- NTDC Finals Have a Familiar Feel
My husband Mike and I wish you — and all professional truck drivers — safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.
Return from TDMST Weekly Round-Up: 2022.08.20 to our TDMST Weekly Round-Up Trucking Commentary or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
